Overview

Historical Highlight: Birthplace of Islam; home to Mecca and Medina.

Geography: Largest country in the Middle East, encompassing most of the Arabian Peninsula.

Population: Approximately 35 million people.

Climate Range: Generally arid; desert climate with extreme temperatures.

Key Altitudes: Najd Plateau (Tuwayq Escarpment, 1,000m+), Asir Mountains (Sawda Mountain, 3,133m).

Weather Ranges: Hot summers, cool winters with temperatures dropping to single digits Celsius in some regions.

Regime: Monarchy.

Founding Date: September 23, 1932.

Capital: Riyadh.